By Gina Yarbrough
Lakeside, CA–The Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating a man suspected of attempted kidnapping of a juvenile while walking to school, authorities said.
The incident happened on Tuesday, just after 8 a.m. in the 11900 block of Woodside Avenue, about a block and a half from Lakeside Middle School.
Three students were walking to school when they saw a vehicle stop right next to them. That’s when someone in the backseat of the vehicle opened the door and tried to grab one of the students. The three students told deputies they ran away from the vehicle and reported the incident to Lakeside Middle School officials. No one was hurt, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
According to deputies, there was no indication the suspect got out of the car, touched, or said anything to the students.
Deputies believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no further danger to the community. However, they will be conducting extra patrols in and around Lakeside Middle School.
The suspect in the backseat of the vehicle is described as standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing between 160 and 170 pounds, and was dressed in black. There is no description of the driver. The suspect vehicle is described as a black SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe with silver wheels and a black and yellow license plate. The vehicle was last seen heading westbound on Woodside Avenue toward Riverford Road.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information or surveillance video of the incident is asked to call the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200, or call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
